A Torres Strait mum has welcomed her second child and the first Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service baby for 2026.
Christina Baluz, who is from Yam Island, gave birth to daughter Sanikah at 10.03am on 4 January 2026 at Thursday Island Hospital, weighing 3kg.
She chose the name in honour of her brother and his partner.
Ms Baluz acknowledged the TI Hospital maternity team for supporting her throughout her pregnancy.
“They were so great,” she said.
“Everyone has been coming around to ask if I’m doing okay. “I’m a bit excited that she’s the first baby of the year.”
Ms Baluz already has a three-year-old daughter Nairobi who has been excited to assist with big sister duties.
“She’s been trying to be a mum and feed the baby and change nappies,” she said. “It’s amazing becoming a mum of two. They’re going to keep me occupied.”
It was a busy New Year period for TI Hospital who also welcomed a baby on 31 December 2025.
Meanwhile Weipa couple Kahn Atutahi and Mathew Johnston received a late Christmas gift with the birth of their first child Finn on 28 December 2025.
The couple, who moved to the Far North from Perth two years ago, were thrilled to have their little boy just minutes from their home at Weipa Integrated Health Service.
Ms Atutahi said she went into labour about 1am that morning, coming to hospital a couple of hours before he was born at 11.40am, weighing 3.36kg.
“I had really wanted to have my baby here,” she said.
“We had organised a big Christmas lunch at our place and I was worried I was going to sit down and go into labour!
Finn is the 46th baby born at the Weipa facility since birthing recommenced in 2024.